As stated in the posuk, this is the way it has remained throughout our history, a cloud hovering during the day, and a firelike apparition by night. When man is at the pinnacle of success, and the rays of the sun shine upon him with bright light, he must be aware that he is not immune forever. Life is a big circle which goes around bringing with it moments of great joy as well as moments of sadness and distress. Shlomo Hamelech says in Koheles (7:14) “On a day of goodness be good and on a bad day reflect”. The Ibn Ezra explains that this means “on a day when things go well and everything is successful a person must anticipate the inevitability of bad times. Good deeds and charitable activities are shields and protectors from punishment and mishap. In contrast to this, when it is bleak and cloudy, when misfortune and misery seem to overcome us, we must not despair, but reflect and place our trust in Hashem; that the shine of His Eternal Light will guide us through the darkness and desperation. The Shema which is recited twice daily, in the morning and night, represents and transmits one message; whether it is morning and the sun is shining for man, or it is evening and everything is clouded with darkness, always remember “Hashem is our G-d, Hashem is one.” He grants success and prosperity, and He also gives strength to overcome moments of travail and despair. These symbols were reflected by the Mishkan, the cloud hovering by day and the fire shining by night. The symbols of the Mishkan should always be in the hearts of every Jew.
